Mari's Pages

Monday, August 22, 2016

How not to climb Fuji

Another one of my firm decisions gets overturned: I gave in to climbing mount Fuji.

Now, wait, waaaaaaaait. I know I have always said I am not interested in climbing that mountain, in getting to the top for watching the sunrise, in enduring the fatigue and all the misery...I know I said that. So far, all the people who have asked me to join them in the endeavour meant an overnight hike, like all of other people. And that's still a BIG no.

However, if the hike takes place during the day, with a group of people I already know, without the crowds and with a good night's sleep in store, then I can wake up early and spend the day walking through some vegetation (near the base), watch the vast expanse of volcanic soil and hopefully see the valley from the crater rim. That’s more reasonable.

Colleagues from work had decided to embark on the long trip that culminates (literally) with reaching the top of the highest mountain in Japan. In day time. The invitation was open so I decided to join. However, a couple of days before C-Day (Climb Day), the normally unpredictable weather conditions around Fuji menaced rain. Until the very night before C-Day we were undecided on what to do, so we packed anyway, prepared to a very early wake (departure around 5:30am) and hoped for the best. But in the morning, we all decided to cancel, due to rain. Sad ending.

On one hand I am not so disappointed about it, and also I couldn’t fall asleep the night before so I would have had a tough day if I went. On the other hand, having changed my mind (after so many years) about such a challenge, I was very curious to experience what the whole thing is about…well, that’s it.

The season for the climbing is not open for long, and in fact there will be time until mid-September to plan. Outside of that season, huts and shops are all closed. And, although you may say that a few more weekends are still available by mid-September, I have other plans already.

My friend says this girl must be taken to Fuji one day. Well, not this season, I am afraid.